The Gulf steel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by decarbonization efforts, rising infrastructure demands, and the strategic integration of mining and manufacturing value chains. As global iron ore flows and pricing trends evolve, regional producers are leveraging advanced technology, renewable energy, and backward integration to establish themselves as leaders in low-carbon steel production. In 2025, global seaborne iron ore loadings reached 1.247 billion metric tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged year-on-year, with Australia and Brazil accounting for nearly 78% of the total volume. China continues to dominate as the primary importer, receiving 74% of global shipments. This concentration highlights the need for Gulf producers to diversify sourcing and secure raw materials amidst volatility caused by carbon-adjusted costs and trade measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The global iron ore market is projected to grow from $290 billion in 2024 to $397 billion by 2032, reflecting a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), though price fluctuations are expected to persist. Gulf steelmakers are capitalizing on competitive access to raw materials, the region’s energy cost advantages, and modern Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technologies to produce low-carbon steel at scale. Major projects, such as Oman’s Vulcan Green Steel and Saudi Arabia’s Essar Group facility at Ras Al-Khair, exemplify this strategic shift. Producers are also recalibrating operations to meet sustainability goals without compromising competitiveness. Mineral Technologies Group (MTG) is pioneering hydrogen-fueled direct ore-to-metal routes and cost-effective solutions for processing lower-grade ores. Jindal Steel Oman is embedding sustainability into its strategy through efficiency, technology, and community engagement, with significant investments in renewable energy and hydrogen-ready steel complexes. The Gulf’s push to integrate mining and downstream metallurgical value chains is reshaping its industrial landscape, supported by policy frameworks like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which allocates $186.5 billion for renewables. Digital transformation is further enhancing competitiveness, with predictive analytics and AI-driven maintenance improving equipment uptime by 20–25%. With $2.5 trillion in GCC infrastructure investments planned by 2030, the Gulf steel industry is poised to become a global hub for sustainable industrial production, turning the green challenge into a competitive advantage.
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Lebanon: Israel targets key Hezbollah leader in Beirut strike
In a significant escalation of tensions, an Israeli air strike targeted a high-ranking Hezbollah leader in Beirut on Sunday, marking the first such attack without prior warning since the ceasefire agreement last year. The strike occurred in the densely populated Haret Hreik area of Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the attack resulted in one fatality and 21 injuries, though the identities of the victims remain undisclosed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the operation aimed at what he described as ‘Hezbollah’s chief of staff.’ Israeli media identified the target as Haytham Ali Tabatabai, the group’s de facto military leader and second-in-command after Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem. Hezbollah has yet to issue an official statement, but a source from the group acknowledged that a senior figure was targeted, without providing further details. The strike comes amid ongoing violations of the November 2024 ceasefire, which ended months of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Since the ceasefire, Israel has conducted numerous air strikes in Lebanese territory, resulting in at least 331 deaths and around 1,000 injuries, according to Lebanese authorities. While most strikes have targeted southern Lebanon, this attack in Dahiyeh is notable for its lack of prior warning. Israeli media and officials have recently hinted at a potential new offensive against Lebanon, citing concerns over Hezbollah’s efforts to rebuild its capabilities. Conflicting reports emerged regarding whether the United States was informed of the strike, with some suggesting Washington was aware of Israel’s plans but not the specifics of the operation.
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Bolsonaro says ankle monitor damage caused by paranoia
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, convicted of orchestrating a coup attempt, has attributed his recent actions to medication-induced ‘paranoia,’ claiming it led him to damage his ankle monitor. Bolsonaro, 70, admitted during a hearing in Brasília that he attempted to open the monitor with a soldering iron before regaining his composure. He insisted he had no intention of fleeing. Authorities deemed him a flight risk, especially with a planned vigil by supporters outside his residence, prompting his transfer from house arrest to detention. Bolsonaro is currently held at a police station in the capital. In September, he was sentenced to over 27 years in prison for his role in a failed coup plot aimed at retaining power after losing the 2022 election to left-wing rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court revealed that Bolsonaro was aware of a conspiracy involving plans to assassinate Lula and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to execute Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees his trial. The plot failed to gain military support, and Lula was inaugurated without incident on January 1, 2023. However, a week later, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, leading to 1,500 arrests. The justices concluded that Bolsonaro incited the rioters, hoping the military would intervene to restore him to power. Bolsonaro has been barred from public office until 2060, eight years after his sentence ends. He dismissed the trial as a ‘witch hunt’ to prevent his potential 2026 presidential run. His legal troubles have also drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports in response.
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Malawi debuts world’s first AI-Enabled Paris Agreement integrated platform at COP30
At COP30’s Finance Day, Malawi unveiled the world’s first AI-enabled Paris Agreement Implementation Platform (PAIP), marking a significant milestone in climate finance innovation. This blockchain-verified platform integrates artificial intelligence, smart contracts, satellite imagery, and machine learning to monitor carbon emissions and verify climate projects. Designed to create a transparent, investor-ready marketplace for climate finance, PAIP links every stage of the emissions value chain—from inventory to project validation, auctioning, and retirement—into a unified digital ecosystem. Developed by the Green Economy Partnership (GEP) and TRST01, the platform is tailored to Malawi’s needs and will be offered free of charge to other Global South nations to accelerate their Article 6 projects. Richard Perekamoyo, Principal Secretary of Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, emphasized the platform’s ability to track CO₂ emissions, restored hectares, and investment returns with scientific precision, bolstering trust in national data. Ivano Iannelli, GEP’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the platform’s role as the world’s first Environmental Treasury, setting a benchmark for transparency and accountability. Malawi’s Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Hon. Jean Mathanga, noted that the initiative demonstrates Africa’s leadership in climate innovation. GEP plans to expand PAIP through its Digital Climate Transformation Program across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, aiming to unlock Article 6 projects and ensure transparent climate finance flows to developing nations.
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Bestselling author and life coach explores speculative fiction and human connection
Sandeep Adnani, a Dubai-based author, mental health counsellor, and life coach, has carved a unique niche in the literary world by merging cosmic imagination with profound emotional depth. His works, including the acclaimed Exiled Rogue Trilogy and the heartwarming Strangers in Space, explore themes of purpose, consciousness, and the bonds that define humanity. Adnani’s writing journey began with the Exiled Rogue Trilogy, a six-year project that delves into metaphysical questions and the interconnected fate of beings across multiple realms. The trilogy, praised for its fusion of time travel, cosmic laws, and self-evolution, established Adnani as a distinctive voice in speculative fiction. His latest work, Strangers in Space, marks a shift towards cosy sci-fi, focusing on emotional journeys and intimate character connections. Adnani’s creative process is deeply influenced by his background in counselling, which he says helps him craft authentic, vulnerable characters. Drawing inspiration from travel, family, and authors like Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling, Adnani continues to explore diverse storytelling avenues, promising readers fresh adventures that blend imagination with introspection.
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Philippine President office hits back as VP Sara Duterte challenges Marcos to drug test
The Philippine Presidential Office, Malacañang Palace, has firmly responded to Vice President Sara Duterte’s call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to undergo a hair follicle drug test. The challenge arose amidst allegations from Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, who claimed during a November 17 rally that Marcos and his family were involved in illegal drug use.
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New Hatta upgrades announced: Amphitheatre at dam’s highest point; strawberry farm expanded
Hatta, Dubai’s picturesque mountain retreat, has unveiled a series of transformative upgrades aimed at enriching the lives of residents and attracting more visitors. Among the standout developments is the newly constructed Hatta Dam Amphitheatre, perched at the dam’s highest point. This 610-metre structure, built using suspended techniques to preserve the natural landscape, offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters below. The amphitheatre features a gentle 17-minute ascent with six rest points, ensuring accessibility for all, including People of Determination. Additionally, the dam’s slope has been transformed into a stunning mosaic mural of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, crafted from over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble—a world record.
Complementing the amphitheatre is the expansion of Hatta’s agricultural offerings. The Strawberry Farm has seen significant upgrades, including expanded outdoor cultivation areas, enhanced cooling systems, and a dedicated seed-nursery facility. Meanwhile, the Leafy Greens Farm now boasts three hydroponic greenhouses, integrated storage areas, and a direct-sale outlet for fresh produce. These enhancements not only boost local agriculture but also provide visitors with unique farm-to-table experiences.
Education and community facilities have also received substantial attention. A new 18,600-square-metre school, built to international standards, has been completed. The state-of-the-art facility accommodates over 1,000 students and includes 44 classrooms, science labs, indoor sports halls, and a 416-seat multipurpose theatre. Maintenance and upgrades have also been carried out at four existing schools in the area.
Further enriching community life, the Hatta Majlis, a multipurpose hall designed to host 130 people, is nearing completion. A new wedding hall with a capacity of 1,000 guests and the Hatta Community Service Centre, featuring 13 commercial units, are also in development. Other ongoing projects include the construction of 213 homes for UAE nationals, the expansion of cycling and hiking trails, and enhancements to Hatta Hospital and Sports Club.
These initiatives are part of a broader push to elevate Hatta as a premier destination for both residents and tourists, blending natural beauty with modern amenities and sustainable practices.
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Over 800,000 new voters register for Nepal post-uprising polls
Nepal is witnessing a significant surge in voter registration as the country prepares for its first parliamentary elections since a mass uprising in September 2025 ousted the government. According to the Election Commission, over 837,000 first-time voters have registered, reflecting heightened political engagement, particularly among the youth. The elections, scheduled for March 5, 2026, will see 123 established political parties participating, with an additional 40 new slates awaiting verification to join the race. The uprising, initially sparked by a brief social media ban, quickly escalated into a nationwide anti-corruption movement, resulting in the ousting of four-time Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. His interim replacement, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, has been tasked with steering the nation until the elections. The protests, which claimed at least 76 lives and saw widespread destruction of government institutions, have underscored the public’s demand for meaningful change amid years of economic stagnation and corruption. Dikshya Poudel, a 19-year-old student, expressed her excitement about voting for the first time, stating, ‘I dream of seeing new faces in politics who can create jobs, eradicate poverty, and make Nepal a better place to live.’ However, the unrest has further strained Nepal’s fragile economy, with the World Bank projecting a decline in growth to 2.1 percent due to heightened political and economic uncertainty. The nation’s GDP per capita stands at $1,447, with 82 percent of the workforce engaged in informal employment, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
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KL Rahul to lead India as Gill ruled out of South Africa ODI series
In a significant development for Indian cricket, KL Rahul has been appointed as the captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. This decision comes after newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill was ruled out due to an injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Gill’s absence has necessitated a reshuffle in the leadership group, with Rahul stepping into the role for the first time since 2023, when he led India to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa. Additionally, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an injury picked up during the tour of Australia. The series will kick off in Ranchi on November 30, followed by matches in Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6. The Indian squad boasts a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, alongside promising youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma. The team will look to maintain its momentum and secure a series win under Rahul’s leadership.
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World Television Day celebrated with conference in Shanxi
The 2025 ‘World Television Day’ China Television Conference commenced on November 21 in Datong, Shanxi province, marking a significant gathering of industry experts and scholars. The event, held in the historic city of Datong, focused on the evolving landscape of television and online audiovisual art amidst the deepening integration of media technologies. Yan Shaofei, vice-chairman of the China Television Artists Association, emphasized the transformative era of audiovisual art, urging creators to harness technological advancements to produce high-quality, life-inspired content. Jiang Wenbo, chairman of the Ultra-High Definition World Association, highlighted television’s pivotal role in global cultural exchange and societal development, advocating for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to foster an omnimedia ultra-high definition television ecosystem. Liu Junyi, Datong’s deputy Party secretary and mayor, envisioned the conference as a catalyst for artistic and technological integration, showcasing the city’s unique blend of ancient heritage and modern industry. The event also featured discussions on the acclaimed TV series ‘Silent Honor,’ with director Yang Yazhou stressing the importance of aligning creative efforts with the genuine needs of the audience. A strategic cooperation agreement between Datong Municipal People’s Government and Communication University of Shanxi was signed, aiming to enhance micro audiovisual content creation and talent development, setting a benchmark for university-government collaboration in the region.